Two barges hit the Webbers Falls Lock & Dam on May 23, 2019, in a moment that made national news.Weeks of heavy rainfall had left the the Arkansas River in a swollen state. On May 22, 2019, two barges broke loose and went missing.Oklahoma officials found the barges and secured them the next morning.However, this victory was short-lived. Both barges broke loose in the fast-moving water and headed straight toward the Webbers Falls Lock & Dam. The barges were filled with fertilizer, and officials prepared for the worse.The barges collided with the dam, both sinking upon impact.The barges stayed underwater for months before a recovery effort began.

WEBBERS FALLS, Okla. —

Two barges hit the Webbers Falls Lock & Dam on May 23, 2019, in a moment that made national news.

Weeks of heavy rainfall had left the the Arkansas River in a swollen state. On May 22, 2019, two barges broke loose and went missing.

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Oklahoma officials found the barges and secured them the next morning.

However, this victory was short-lived. Both barges broke loose in the fast-moving water and headed straight toward the Webbers Falls Lock & Dam. The barges were filled with fertilizer, and officials prepared for the worse.

The barges collided with the dam, both sinking upon impact.

The barges stayed underwater for months before a recovery effort began.